The Idea Incubator Program presents an opportunity for creative minds at parish elementary schools to participate in a Connelly Think Tank with the goal to develop the best ideas into pilot programs. 

Approximately 30 applications are received each year and several schools receive invitations to meet with Foundation staff to further explore their idea.  All invitees receive a $1,000 discretionary grant. 

2010-2011 Guidelines for Idea Incubator
Applications are due March 31, 2011. 

Theme:  Collaboration – Sharing Our Expertise

1.  Distance/Virtual Learning Opportunities

This year Connelly Foundation launched Math Matters, a program that employs one great math teacher whose “classroom” incorporates students from four Philadelphia parish elementary schools.  Qualified students work at an accelerated pace in grades 5 through 8, with a goal to pursue Algebra I in 8^th grade. A great teacher, coupled with LifeSize® Telecommunications Equipment, makes this possible. 

This program demonstrates that schools working collaboratively with a goal to share resources for the benefit of their students and enhance that effort with any variety of telecommunications technology (LifeSize®, Polycom, Skype, Illuminate, etc.) can:

• Eliminate barriers
• Provide and increase access to desirable academic subjects and a variety of enrichment programs
• Reduce costs

Teachers and Administrators working in parish elementary schools are welcome to submit creative ideas that would meet the 3 objectives referenced above and incorporate telecommunications equipment. 

2. Improving Sunday Mass Attendance Challenge:

Is it possible to get Catholics back in the pews? If you have an idea on how to meet the objective to improve Sunday Mass attendance, and you have the means to demonstrate the idea's potential, we'd like to hear about it.